ED2014 Spoken Word ED2014 Three To See ED2014 Week0 Edition

Three To See 2014: Talks And Walks

By | Published on Sunday 20 July 2014

Mary Queen Of Scots

Another reason to be in Edinburgh at Festival time is all the brilliant talks, walks and other events going on across the city. So even if lectures and debates are more your thing than comedy and plays, there’s still something available to suit your palate. ThreeWeeks Co-Editor Caro Moses delivers the facts on her three top talksy tips.

Mary Queen of Scots – The Edinburgh Story (pictured)
It’s always a bit of a gamble doing a walking tour in Scotland. But the weather’s actually been alright in Edinburgh so far this summer. Well, except at the very moment I’m writing this, when the haar has come down and it’s all very damp indeed. But come rain or shine, this walk is worth doing, especially if you, like me, enjoy hearing about historical figures in the settings where they once stood. Especially ones who lived in such turbulent times as Mary Queen Of Scots. The famous monarch spent six years in the Scottish capital at a pivotal time in the country’s history, and how better to hear about it than when treading through historic Edinburgh itself?
Outside MacDonald Holyrood Hotel, from 1 Aug until 26 Aug. Tickets here

Carnival Of Curious Animals
Are you one of those people who struggle to resist clicking on links to online filler articles about weird creatures they’ve found in the depths of the sea? Or about the world’s longest-lived animals? Or extraordinary animals that have done amazing things? You know, the online articles composed of a long procession of large pictures and not enough information? Of course, this isn’t me we’re talking about, but if YOU are one of those people, then I can’t help thinking that this might be your kind of Festival event. And there’ll be more than just photos here. Learn from scientific journalist Henry Nicholls and Paolo Viscardi of the Horniman Museum about the likes of Lonesome George the bachelor tortoise. This is only on once, but don’t despair if you miss it. I’m sure there’ll be other things in the Hendricks’ Carnival Of Knowledge line up to tempt the likes of you.
Hendrick’s Carnival Of Knowledge, 8 Aug. Tickets here.

Poverty and Life Expectancy at The Festival Of Politics
This event is hosted by Polly Toynbee, and will tackle what is a very current issue, given the presently rising use of food banks in the UK, and the fact that poor diet is obviously and inevitably linked to low life expectancy. And it’s an especially important topic for Scotland, as the country’s population have a lower life expectancy than elsewhere in Britain. It’s just one of the events taking place at this year’s debate-packed Festival Of Politics, so don’t forget to take a look at what else is on, especially in light of what’s coming up in September; I can’t help thinking that most of the events will have at least a tinge of referendum about them.
Scottish Parliament, 16 Aug. Tickets here.



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